Ships ran aground near a harbor of the Rhine in Tolkamer, Zevenaar municipality of the Netherlands, Aug. 11, 2026. Photo: XinhuaLow river flows could persist into December, while warm weather and little significant rainfall are forecast for the coming week. On Tuesday, the Water Management Ministry warned that the Netherlands is facing a prolonged drought, with measures to retain and distribute freshwater coming under increasing pressure. Last month, the Dutch government raised the country’s water status from an “imminent water shortage” to an “actual water shortage” as persistent drought and high temperatures continued to strain water resources. Authorities have introduced measures to conserve freshwater and maintain water levels, including restricting lock operations in several areas to reduce water use.